Regulatory: Reopening of the High Street – the COVID 19 roadmap

The Prime Minister has confirmed that shops, department stores and shopping centres across England can reopen next month.

Key dates for reopening
1 June – outdoor markets and car showrooms which have significant outdoor space and where social distancing can be achieved

15 June – all other retailers i.e. shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics.  As well as tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets.
Businesses will only be able to open once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks.  You can access the latest Government guidance ‘working safely during COVID-19 in shops’ here

Steps to be taken
Shops could place a poster at the entrance to show their awareness of the guidance and their commitment to safety measures; store returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shelf; and increase cleaning of surfaces that are frequently touched such as self-checkouts, trolleys and banking keypads.

Local authorities have been asked to carry out spot checks and follow up any concerns raised by members of the public.

Hairdressers, beauty salons, and the hospitality sector will remain closed because of the risk of Covid-19 transmission which is considered to be higher due to long periods of person to person contact.

Retail employers are urged to draft their COVID-19 secure risk assessments now.